[Ste]

I noticed the listing pop up on Plugshare locally a couple of weeks ago and got a chance to pop down there yesterday. Only 50kW stations so far, but at least they installed two units and have them set to complimentary charging until they presumably launch an official app and pricing. For now, the stations can be started with just a button push or by using the Greenlots app (they became part of Shell New Energies earlier this year). This brand has expanded quite quickly around Europe and has big plans for markets like Singapore, or so I read, so it makes me wonder if they have substantial plans for expansion in North America next year.

It also seems like an odd location but the facility is new and the coffee was decent, so it did the job for me. I added 24 kWh in 46 mins on the first unit I tried, held back slightly by a cold(ish) battery at the start. For anyone interested in more details, you can see my visit here:

 

[The Other Tom]

Thanks for the review. Is there a way to "pre-warm" the battery so that when you arrive at the charging station, the power supplied goes to max without having to wait for the battery to warm?

 

[Eriamjh1138]

Thanks for the review. Is there a way to "pre-warm" the battery so that when you arrive at the charging station, the power supplied goes to max without having to wait for the battery to warm?

There’s no setting, switch, or feature. Driving the car is the best way. Aggressive acceleration and regeneration will do it. Without a OBD data connection you won’t know how effective it is.

It’s possible that heating the passenger compartment may help because the same heater is used to heat the battery cooling loop, but I’m not sure how much the Battery coolant pump runs when the battery does not specifically require warming.

 

[Fivedoor]

It’s possible that heating the passenger compartment may help because the same heater is used to heat the battery cooling loop, but I’m not sure how much the Battery coolant pump runs when the battery does not specifically require warming.

The battery coolant loop is separate from the cabin heating. Cabin heater is 8KW battery heater is only 2KW.

Keith

 

[Vertiformed]

Thanks for the review. Is there a way to "pre-warm" the battery so that when you arrive at the charging station, the power supplied goes to max without having to wait for the battery to warm?

While driving, no, although driving fast will naturally warm the battery.

Before driving, yes. Plug the car in. Preconditioning the car (two cycles is best) will help bring the battery to a good temperature.